Larry - Island Real Estate Blog

June 13, 2013November 21, 2020

Disney’s Epcot

Featuring cuisines from around the world, Disney’s Epcot is a food lover’s paradise all within the World of Walt Disney, and being in close proximity to Anna Maria Island makes it a perfect Orlando day trip destination! 32 dining choices are present across 24 different categories:

African, American, Asian, Bakery, British, Cajun/Creole, Chinese, Cuban, French, German, Greek, Indian, Irish, Italian, Japanese, Latin, Mediterranean, Mexican, Moroccan, Norwegian, Polynesian, Seafood, Steakhouse, Sushi. Take your pick or try them all (not recommended in one sitting)!

Attractions

Although the food is the main attraction of the Epcot park, there are 31 attractions to take in as well; themed around the cultures reflected in the food choices. Get a cup of tea from a British coffeehouse, eat a baguette at a French boulangerie, or dine on sushi in a Japanese “Resutoran.”

Disney Epcot park hours for summer are 9:00AM to 9:00PM with differing hours on holidays. We just visited Epcot over Thanksgiving and the fireworks display was amazing!

If you’re still looking for more theme park options that are not too far from Anna Maria Island, we have compiled a list just for you!

Disney’s Epcot
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
(407) 934-7639

Larry

Meet Larry Chatt. Larry is the Broker/Owner of Island Real Estate – and has owned Anna Maria Island investment property while residing in New England, Ohio, Colorado, Iowa and across Europe. He and his family have been on the island for decades and Larry has served his community in various roles with the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce

June 13, 2013November 21, 2020

Disney’s Magic Kingdom | Orlando, Florida

Disney’s Magic Kingdom is one of the six theme parks located at Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, FL. If you want to get the full experience at the Magic Kingdom park an Orlando day trip from Anna Maria Island is a great choice!

Disney’s Magic Kingdom will bring out the kid in you. All of the fairy tales you grew up with come to life in beautiful and amazing fashion. Explore the park and expect to see many of your favorite story book characters roaming and interacting with the guests! Throughout the day parades are held featuring the likes of Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Pluto, Goofy, and many other recognizable faces! Be sure to stay late and watch the fireworks show.

Attractions

Split up into various regions you can take a walk through the Agrabah market just like Aladdin did or venture through areas themed after the Toy Story world. Maybe even take a trip to infinity and beyond with Buzz Lightyear!

Centered in the park is the most famous and recognizable of the Disney landmarks, the Cinderella castle. Although seemingly much taller, the Cinderella castle stands only 190 feet tall. A keen visual trick played by the architects causes the viewer’s perspective to make the castle stand much taller and wider than it actually is.

Disney’s Magic Kingdom features over 38 attractions, 45 shows and entertainment opportunities, 28 dining locations, and 13 events and tours! You can be guaranteed enough activity to keep both you and the kids entertained.

Park hours for summer are 9:00AM to 11:00PM with differing hours on holidays however we always suggest you check with Disney for park hour changes.

More theme park options are also available.

Disney’s Magic Kingdom
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
(407) 934-7639

Larry

June 13, 2013November 21, 2020

Walt Disney World Park Guide | Lake Buena Vista, FL

So you’re in Florida. What are you going to do now? “I’m going to Disney World!” should be the clear response. Visiting Disney World is a great Orlando day trip option for visitors staying on Anna Maria Island.

Located in Lake Buena Vista, FL, Disney World has six theme parks to choose from each with a differing theme.

Walt Disney World Parks

Looking to bring your fairy tale dreams to life? Then we suggest the Magic Kingdom Park! Magic Park is perfect for toddlers.
Interested in getting a taste of the world without having to spend a fortune in flights? Check out Epcot! Epcot is the most sophisticated park and we suggest High School teenagers.
Bring the movie magic to life with the Hollywood Studios Park! Toddlers will work at this park but there are rides toddlers are too small to ride.
Get in touch with nature while touring Animal Kingdom. A great zoo as well as Disney theme park. Only a few rides toddlers cannot ride.
Make a splash at either the Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon water parks! Fabulous for the whole family.
Or visit Downtown Disney for shopping, entertainment, concerts and clubs! Definitely adult related however lego land and two theme based restaurants can make this fun for the whole family.

There are many options to choose from if you wish to get the Disney experience. At the time of this posting ticket prices range from $53 to $95 for a single day ticket. There are also better offers for group purchases and multi-day or multi-park options. Are you a Florida resident? If so many passes provide discounts for Florida residents.

Walt Disney World
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
(407) 934-7639

Larry

May 23, 2013January 22, 2021

Optimize Your Property to Attract Anna Maria Island Travelers

By Jodi Nichols, Director of Property Operations

In the business of vacation rentals, an often overlooked necessity is the need to “freshen” your vacation property annual. Competition for bookings grows as the number of vacation rentals on Anna Maria Island continues to rise year after year. So let us help you keep your property on the cutting edge.

You don’t need to spend thousands of dollars every year in upgrades. You only need to make minor updates to keep up each year, such as replacing comforters, throw pillows, rugs, door mats, etc… It’s also important that properties offer current amenities such as flat screen TV’s and Wi-Fi and that they are clutter free.

Try to keep in mind that guests are not looking for a lot of knickknacks and fake plants. While these items might be cute and and some homey feelings, they are also dust collectors and can make the property look cluttered and dated. Guests tell us that they want plenty of open space, regardless of the property size and that space needs to look fresh, clean and inviting. Vacation rental properties that are updated annually will appeal to guests, which will ultimately maximize revenue from your investment.

To assist with this, the Island Real Estate staff has started walking many properties to ensure everything is in proper working order and in top condition. This is a service that we complete annually at no additional cost to you. During this process, a property condition report is completed. The checklist covers items such as the condition of furnishings, décor and upgrade recommendations. Once completed, your property’s report will be emailed to you with.

If you have any issues or concerns regarding your property, please contact me at Jodi@IslandReal.com . I have over 20 years experience working in vacation rental, and I am happy to help optimize your property for attracting and satisfying Anna Maria Island vacationers.

Larry

May 9, 2013November 21, 2020

Legacy Golf Club in Lakewood Ranch

Legacy Golf Club is a short trip from Lakewood Ranch Main Street. Legacy is actually only a single traffic light east, and you may be able to catch a glimpse of hole #3 and #4 from Main Street as you look over the lake.

The first five holes are touted as the most difficult, and reasonably so. You will find yourself lakeside on holes #3 and #4 so expect to carry the ball a good distance or get another golf ball out of your pack. Featuring an abundance of wildlife you can expect to see gators, herons, deer and other creatures while spending a day on the course. The average round will last about 4 hours and 15 minutes for a group of four.

Legacy Golf Club at Lakewood Ranch is an Arnold Palmer designed course that will test your skills. You will find 18 holes of golf that are sure to leave you with a new found appreciation for course design and the beauty of the area. Hole #17 (shown above) is an island green that will leave you searching for another ball if you come up short or blast it too far.

Golf rates in 2015 run $29 on weekdays and $59 on weekends including a cart. For specials and timely rates please visit the Legacy Golf Club website found with the address information below.

Legacy Golf Club at Lakewood Ranch
8255 Legacy Boulevard
Bradenton, FL 34202
941.907.7067

Need some Golf closer to Anna Maria Island. Here is a summary of Golf Courses within a reasonable drive from Anna Maria Island.

Larry

May 9, 2013January 22, 2021

Polo Grill and Bar – Permanently CLOSED

THIS RESTAURANT IS PERMANENTLY CLOSED AND THE “GROVE Restaurant” HAS TAKEN ITS SPOT.

The Polo Grill & Bar on Lakewood Ranch Main Street is open 7 days a week for dinner starting at 5:30PM. Offering a delicious selection of meals at modest prices for the quality, a meal at the Polo Grill is one that will satisfy your taste buds. Bonus – check out the Lakewood Ranch movie theater that is just a short stroll away.

Hours of Operation
Dinner	Monday-Sunday	5:30pm – Close
Lunch	Monday-Saturday	11:30am – 2:30pm
Lounge	Monday-Saturday	4:30pm – Close
	Sunday	5:30pm-Close
Closed daily from 2:30pm – 4:30pm

Polo Grill & Bar
10670 Boardwalk Loop
Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202
941.782.0899

Larry

May 9, 2013November 21, 2020

Lakewood Ranch Cinemas

Lakewood Ranch Cinemas shows recent releases throughout the day! Just a short trip from Anna Maria Island. The Sarasota Film Society has a direct say on which movies to show, and has been involved in the operation since the December 2006 opening. The cinema is located conveniently right at the end of Lakewood Ranch Main Street. Check out what movies are playing and head over to catch a film!

Movie show times run during the following times on their respective days:
Monday 1:30–8:30 pm
Tuesday 1:30–8:30 pm
Wednesday 1:30–8:30 pm
Thursday 1:30–8:30 pm
Friday 1:30–8:30 pm
Saturday 10:00 am – 11:00 pm
Sunday 10:00 am – 11:00 pm

Lakewood Ranch Cinemas
10715 Rodeo Dr #8
Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202
(941) 955-3456

There are movie theaters closer than Lakewood Ranch for Anna Maria Island Visitors. Oakmont and AMC 20 which are just in Bradenton only 15-25 minutes away.

Larry

May 3, 2013November 21, 2020

Blue Marlin Restaurant On Historic Bridge Street

The Blue Marlin Restaurant on Anna Maria Island serves only the freshest local seafood and is a great spot to catch local musicians. Located on Historic Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach the Blue Marlin offers a unique dining experience in an intimate setting. The Blue Marlin is a nautical theme restaurant with local artwork and pictures throughout the restaurant.

Owner Adam Ellis has extensive knowledge of the local seafood market and purchases fresh fish daily in the Village of Cortez which provides the exquisite entrée selection and daily specials featuring the day’s catch. If you’re not a seafood lover try their famous steak sandwich, short ribs, or roasted chicken you won’t be disappointed.

If you’re in the mood for live music after dinner than the courtyard is the spot for you. The courtyard at the Blue Marlin offers live music on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings in a very relaxing outdoor setting featuring different live bands every week.

So the next time you’re in the mood for tasty food and live music head down to the Blue Marlin on Historic Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach.

Blue Marlin
121 Bridge Street
Bradenton Beach, FL 34217

Larry

April 25, 2013December 11, 2020

MEN IN BLACK™ Alien Attack™

Men in Black™ Alien Attack™ is an interactive motion ride inside the Universal Studios Orlando park in Orlando, Florida.

The queue winds through a MIB training facility featuring many characters from the movies. The cars seat 3 per row with two rows in each car for a total of 6 riders per car. Each rider controls their own ray gun to shoot the aliens throughout the ride with. So how about some tips to help you get the best score and impress everyone with your alien eliminating abilities?
Continue reading “MEN IN BLACK™ Alien Attack™”

Larry